“the performance is full of energy, at times it feels almost like you are watching a ballet”
If you need to create a spooky Gothic atmosphere then there’s nowhere quite like Wilton’s. A haunting, dimly lit stage, eerie sounds and a haze drifting down into the auditorium. Shivers run down your spine before the performance even starts.
Two people appear on stage, one we soon discover is The Creature (George Fletcher) and the other (Rowena Lennon), we’re left unsure exactly who or what she is. The story starts with a recording, after which we relive the moment that Frankenstein’s creation is galvanised into life. Like a human child, we then witness how the being learns to talk, move and worryingly, start to feel emotion.
The creature in the novel (and in the narrative of this play) is described as a hideous huge beast; George Fletcher who plays the role is neither of those, he’s handsome and of quite normal stature, so at times it’s hard to see him as the grotesque monster he’s portraying. But he does an incredibly good job, his performance is full of energy, at times it feels almost like you are watching a ballet by the way he fills the whole stage with movement. A credit to Movement Director, Tom Jackson Greaves.
Rowena Lennon arguable has a more difficult role to play. She’s billed as ‘The Chorus’ yet appears to not only act out some of the minor parts, but also provide everything from sound effects to creating some moody lighting with the aid of a deftly manoeuvred ‘filament bulb on a stick’ (there’s probably a much better description for that, but you get the idea!).
Next year sees the 200th anniversary of the first publication of Mary Shelley’s novel and it’s seen many an interpretation during the last two centuries. This adaptation (by Tristan Bernays) is fairly true to the original story, but done as it is in near monologue form, makes it an original twist and a delight to watch.
It’s not particularly scary, but it doesn’t need to. This isn’t necessarily a horror story, it’s an emotional tale of a living being, desperate for companionship but with a savage brutality lurking within. Wonderful lighting design (Lawrence T Doyle) in a splendid location combined with a delightfully energetic cast, make this one to watch.
· Hotly anticipated revival of award-winning Broadway musical How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, last seen in London over 50 years ago
· The astonishing National Opera Theatre celebrates female composers with Dubai-Rostov-New York: Scenes from Contemporary Opera
· Europe’s oldest grand music hall is transformed into a hotbed of grown up comic-puppetry, as Wilton’s welcomes Flabbergast Theatre with their hilarious shows Boris and Sergey’s Astonishing Freakatorium and Tatterdemalion
· Wilton’s will play host to a critically-acclaimed Othello, produced by Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory in association with English Touring Theatre
Wilton’s Music Hall is thrilled to announce their spectacular April – July 2017 season, as Europe’s oldest surviving music hall boasts an impressive programme packed with top independent theatre productions, classic musicals, the finest in modern music hall, cabaret and an array of live music.
To kick off the season, Wilton’s welcome back an old friend and kindred spirit in the form of the fabulous Ida Barr (5-6 April) who is back treading the boards once more with her original and genre-defying mashups, guaranteed to make audiences cry with laughter, jump to their feet and rap along with Ida…A big star in the East End grime scene with her unique sound, aptly named Artificial Hip Hop or Slipped Disco, this is a singalong like no other.
Wilton’s is excited to host the revival of the award-winning, critically-acclaimed Broadway musical How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying (8-22 April), an anarchic, hilarious romp jam-packed with sharp humour and an addictive score. New York, 1950. Meet J Pierrepont Finch, a young, aspiring businessman who just wants to be successful, to be the best, to change the world for the better. Armed with his book ‘How To Succeed’, Finch embarks on a journey to the top as he joins the World Wide Wicket Company, and things aren’t quite as they seem…Last seen in London over 50 years ago, this long-awaited revival directed by Benji Sperring is set to be a rollicking, ridiculously funny evening not to be missed….
A night of tango and popular opera awaits with Violetta’s Last Tango (25-29 April). Audiences enter the world of tango diva Violetta, an ageing singer who lives out her dreams in the suburban Milongas of Buenos Aires. Featuring pera singer Ann Lieback in the title role, she will be joined by award winning tango dancers and live music from virtuoso Cuban jazz violinist Omar Puente and his guest tango band.
Psychological awakening, greedy sisters, murderous storm clouds and unexpected camels, – what more could you want from Dubai-Rostov-New York: Scenes from Contemporary Opera (4-6 May)? A showcase of contemporary talent, the National Opera Studio exhibits scenes from new works by three celebrated female composers, Joanna Marsh, Elena Langer and Errollyn Wallen, with the scenes interwoven with beautiful piano accompaniment from renowned conductor Mark Shanahan.
Flabbergast Theatre are proud to present Boris and Sergey’s Astonishing Freakatorium (9-13 April), a dark foray into a freak show like no other. The nation’s favourite puppet-clown duo take audiences on a macabre yet hilarious journey, following the story of Pierre le Petit Tete Gustav and his wildly deranged tap dancing companion Juan Tamino. Culminating in a spine tingling séance, where the lines between reality and fantasy are blurred, audiences will leave wondering what they have been witness to….
From the same weird and wonderful minds that brought us Boris & Sergey comes Tatterdemalion (11-13 April), an absurd and uproarious one man show which fuses puppetry, physical comedy and mime in a magical masterpiece. A beautiful and poetic journey set against a backdrop of Victorian aesthetics and dark humour, with more than a little silliness thrown in for good measure, this is physical comedy at its finest.
Wilton’s is delighted to play host to Othello, one of Shakespeare’s most timeless plays, from 15 May – 3 June. Produced by ‘Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory’ and English Touring Theatre, this is a contemporary re-setting of the classic tale, depicting the story of a Muslim general facing difficult decisions when employed by a Christian colonial power to lead their army. A new take on the classic play that speaks to a diverse range of audiences, this Othello is especially pertinent against the backdrop of our current political climate. This ‘thrilling…riveting production’ (Guardian, 4 stars) is a masterful depiction of a life torn apart by racism and the destructive nature of prejudice.
Look no further than Tricity Vogue’s All Girl Swing Band (7th June) for a night of feel-good vintage music, toe-tapping tunes and energetic dance moves as the finest female jazz musicians in London take to the stage at Wilton’s. Their entertaining mix of 20s, 30s and 40s swing plus catchy originals and retro arrangements of pop favourites will have audiences on their feet in no time, so grab your dancing shoes and get ready for a night of super swing fun!
Critically acclaimed cabaret satirists Bourgeois & Maurice make their debut at Wilton’s Music Hall with their out-of-this-world Edinburgh Fringe smash hit, How To Save The World Without Really Trying (8-10 June). Taking a critical yet hilarious look at the times we currently find ourselves in, this alternative cabaret duo combine fantastic vocals with spiky humour to showcase clever, biting satire at its finest. The self-titled ‘drag aliens’ provide belly laughs aplenty whilst looking high-fashion fabulous at the same time.
13 – 17 June sees the premiere of an extraordinary new show, Song of Contagion, presented by The Grand Union Orchestra. Why do some diseases around the world attract media attention and effective treatment, while others equally devastating are virtually ignored? Is there a way of expressing this inequality through music? Grand Union’s composer/director Tony Haynes and distinguished epidemiologist Elizabeth Pisani have teamed up to offer an answer. Supported by the Wellcome Trust, they have created a dramatic show, featuring the Grand Union Orchestra’s internationally-acclaimed jazz and world musicians and singers – in turns a deeply moving and exhilarating evening.
Top musical comedian Adam Kay takes to the Wilton’s stage from 20-24 June with his hilarious award-winning show The Remains of Tom Lehrer. Following sell-out performances in London’s West End, Adam is heading east, taking a fresh, contemporary look at Lehrer’s classics, as well as unearthing songs never before performed. Lehrer’s satirical songs have delighted and horrified audiences for decades, and Adam’s take on it will have audiences rolling in the aisles…
It is Paris in the 1930s and Suzy Solidor is the most painted woman in the world and thrilling her legions of fans nightly with her performances of erotic lesbian songs. All I Want Is One Night (27 June – 1 July) is an intimate look at Solidor’s life, taking audiences on a journey back to a night in her club at the height of her career, transforming Wilton’s into a heady cabaret club in the French capital for six nights only. Past and present begin to collide as Suzy encounters previous lovers, artists, her absent father and finally as the last song plays out, her own demise.
Everyone has a story about the song that changed their lives. OneTrackMinds (3rd & 4th July) presents a thought-provoking and engaging way of thinking about the music we love, inviting an engaging panel of artists, musicians and thinkers to present the tracks that have most affected them and their lives. An entertaining cross between Desert Island Discs, The Moth Radio Hour and TED Talks, previous guests have included poet and playwright Lemm Sissay, comedy writer David Quantick and film critic Jason Solomons.
Presented by Poet in the City, Ladies of the Left Bank (5 July) is a celebration of the revolutionary women who prevailed in Paris between the two wars, with Getrude Stein, HD and Mina Loy creating a hotbed of radical female experience. Be transported to the salons of the Parisian Left Bank as we celebrate these revolutionary women in their own words, with poetry performed by Lisa Dwan.
Experience the unique charm of Hong Kong with Hong Kong Episodes (7-8 July) taking audiences on a cinematic musical journey around the city. Original music written collaboratively by jazz guitarist Teriver Cheung and composer Fung Lam melds with evocative imagery by architect Antony Lai to draw up four different chapters of this singular metropolis in the course of a virtual day: its cosmopolitan cityscape, fast-paced lifestyle, avenues for spiritual retreat, and colourful heritage and culture.
Hong Kong programming hub, Music Lab (10 & 11 July) brings together three bold performances – Fingerman, Beloved Clara and Smash. Music Lab provides innovative concert experiences exploring social and cultural issues, advocating the relevance of music on and off the stage. They bring a beautiful fusion of experimental classical piano, jazz and pop to Wilton’s for two nights only.
Wilton’s is delighted to welcome back the queen of cabaret, Miss Hope Springs with her brand new show The Devil Made Me Do It (12-13 July). Playing the piano and singing songs from her award-winning, all-original, self-penned repertoire, Hope makes her triumphant return after a hugely popular run at Wilton’s in 2016, showcasing her sizzling blend of finger snapping pop, romantic rhumbas, sassy bossa novas and smouldering torch songs in this unique laugh-out-loud, move-you-to-tears show.
An evening of wine, music and summer fun awaits as Martin, Izzy & Friends’ Summer Cabaret (14 July) returns to Wilton’s following last summer’s midsummer cabaret and two sell-out charity gigs at the National Theatre. They bring with them their unique and fun blend of jazz, classical, pop, comedy and showtunes; all washed down with Pimms and summer cocktails, naturally. Martin, Izzy and Friends are a mix of professional and semi-professional performers as well as committed amateurs.
The kings and queens of swing are back and ready to party as Step Out With Swing Patrol (14 July) promises a night of guaranteed good times for everyone from complete beginners to old hands (or feet!) All are welcome for a taster class at 7pm, followed by fun and friendly social dancing until 10:30pm. Get ready to dance the night away with everyone’s favourite swingsters!
Following the popularity of 2016’s Songs of the Somme, the London English Song Festival returns to Wilton’s with Over There! (18 – 20 July), a dramatic, staged performance of song and poetry commemorating the American entry into World War One. An exploration of song and the spoken word, this boasts a stellar cast of singers accompanied by William Vann on the piano and readings from world-renowned actor Simon Callow. In addition to three evening performances, there are also two educational matinées for children.
Join our piano-playing host for Carradine’s Cockeny Sing a Long (23 July) an uproarious evening of entertainment and your favourite songs. Leading you in a traditional sing-a-long, music includes ditties from the Music Hall era, WWI and II, the West End stage and traditional popular songs from across the decades. It’s a good old-fashioned knees-up!
Then, brace yourselves, m’hearties, because everyone’s favourite sea shanty band, The Salts, are back at Wilton’s with Songs from the Sea (26 July), a rousing night mixing classics with original sea-faring folk. The five piece folk band is rocking and ready for a merry night of fun, with a barrel-load of stirring original tunes along the way.
And finally, Pop Up Vintage Fairs London (27 July) are returning to Wilton’s for a day of fashion fun. Winners of “Best London Vintage Fair” for 2015, 2014 & 2013, as voted for by the public in The Vintage Guide to London Awards, they bring together vintage traders from all over the UK and Europe to create a fantastic pop up fair full of fabulous finds and hidden treasures. With live entertainment, cocktails and amazing vintage pieces from around the world, it’s not to be missed.
8 – 22 April | 7:30pm evenings, 2:30pm matinees (Wednesday and Saturday)
£17.50 – £29.50 full price, £15 – £27 concessions
Violetta’s Last Tango
25th to 29th April | 7:30pm Tuesday to Friday, 2:30pm and 7pm Saturday
£17.50 – £24.50 full price, £15 – £22.50 concessions
Dubai-Rostov-New York:
Scenes from Contemporary Opera
4 – 6 May | 7:30pm £15 – £20 full price, £12.50 – £17.50 concessions
Boris and Sergey’ Astonishing Freakatorium
9 – 13 April | 7:30pm Tuesday & Wednesday; 9pm Thursday to Saturday
£12.50-£17.50 full price, £10.50-£15.50 concessions
Tatterdemalion
11 – 13 April | 9pm
£12.50-£17.50 full price, £10.50-£15.50 concessions
Othello
15 May – 3 June | 7:30pm evening, 2:30pm Saturday matinees
£15 – £25 full price, £12.50 – £23 concessions
Tricity Vogue’s All Girl Swing Band
7 June | 7:30pm
£20 seated stalls, £15 standing stalls or balcony
Bourgeois & Maurice :
How to Save the World Without Really Trying
8 – 10 June | 7:45pm
£12.50 – £17.50 full price, £10.50 – £15.50 concessions
Grand Union Orchestra presents Song of Contagion
13 – 17 June | 7:30pm evenings, 2:30pm matinees Thursday, schools only and Saturday, family matinee
£10- £17.50 full price, £7.50 – £15.50 concessions, family matinee £12.50 adults, £7.50 children, family ticket £30 for 4 tickets (must include 1 adult and 1 child)
The Remains of Tom Lehrer Performed by Adam Kay
20 – 24 June | 7:30pm
£15 – £25 full price, £12.50 – £20 concessions
All I Want is One Night
27 June – 1 July | 7:30pm Tuesday to Thursday, 6:30pm and 8:45pm Friday and Saturday
£12.50 – £20 full price, £10 – £18 concessions
OneTrackMinds
3 & 4 July | 7:30pm
£8 – £12 full price, £6 – £10 concessions
Ladies of the Left Bank: Presented by Poet in the City
5 July | 7:30pm
£10 – £15 full price, £8 – £30 concessions
Hong Kong Episodes
7 – 8 July | 7:30pm
£10-£18 full price, £8-£16 concessions
Music Lab: Fingerman X Beloved Clara X Smash
10 & 11 July | 7:30pm
£10-£18 full price, £8-£16 concessions
Miss Hope Springs
12 & 13 July | 7:30pm
£14 – £20 full price, £10 – £16.50 concessions
Martin, Izzy & Friends’ Summer Cabaret
14 July | 7:30pm
£10 – £20 full price, £8 – £18 concessions
Step Out with Swing Patrol
14 July | 7pm taster class, 7:30pm dancing and entertainment
£15 including class
Over There: London English Song Festival
18 – 20 July | 8pm, 1:30pm matinees Wednesday and Thursday
£10 – £16 full price, £8 – £12 Concessions, £3 matinee performances and all adults must be accompanied by a child. 100 free tickets are available per matinee show for schools.
